In a dramatic encounter at the Selinda Spillway in northern Botswana, a hippo fiercely attacked three lions attempting to swim across the river, resulting in a tense standoff. The incident occurred when the lions unknowingly entered the hippo’s territory.
Video footage shared by the Great Plains Conservation charity shows the hippo aggressively intercepting one of the lions mid-swim, lifting it partially out of the water.
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Despite the intense situation, the lion managed to escape to the opposite side of the river. The other two lions, startled by the attack, quickly retreated to their original side.
Initially, the lions were focused on the hippo, which was just a few yards away. As they entered the river, the hippo suddenly charged at them with remarkable speed. An alarmed lion swam back to the shore while the other two tried to reach the far side of the river.
However, the hippo quickly closed the distance and zeroed in on one lion, which let out a distressed roar as the massive animal struck it.
The lion struggled to break free, frantically swimming in different directions to avoid the hippo’s powerful grip. Eventually, the lion managed to scramble ashore and escape unharmed.
The Great Plains Conservation, which oversees 15 camps across Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, commented on the incident, stating: “The territorial behemoth swiftly intervened to drive away the lions, resulting in an incredible interaction between these big cats and the massive mammal, witnessed closely by our fortunate guests. Fortunately, all participants emerged from the encounter unharmed.”
Hippos, the second-largest land animals on Earth, can grow up to 11 feet long, stand six feet tall, and weigh as much as 7,000 pounds.
They are semi-aquatic creatures found primarily in Africa, spending much time submerged in water to stay cool.
With their eyes and nostrils positioned on their heads, they can remain underwater for extended periods.
Although hippos are mostly active at night, dominant males fiercely protect their territory and females, often leading to violent clashes.
Their impressive jaws can open up to 150 degrees, and their bite force has been measured at an astonishing 1,821 pounds—enough to split a small boat in half.
Despite their massive size, hippos are surprisingly fast and capable of running up to 19 miles per hour on land over short distances. They can propel themselves at up to five miles per hour in water.
This thrilling encounter between the lions and the hippo is a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often dangerous interactions between wildlife in the African wilderness.
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